The food and Civil Supplies Department reviewed the price situation and availability of essential commodities in the State at a meeting held on September 11. It noted that the availability of stocks has considerably improve and prices had registered a downward trend.
An official press release claimed that this improvement has taken place due to “corrective measures” initiated by the Government which include enforcement of Statutory Orders and regular monitoring of prices and stock through meetings with the trading community.
A marked decline in prices was noted in the following essential commodities: Rice Rs. 20.00 per qtl. Sugar Rs. 5.00 per qtl. Moogdal Rs. 50.00 per qtl. Arahar Rs. 10.00 per qtl, M.Oil Rs. 5.00 per qtl. Onion Rs. 30.00 per qtl.
The Food & Supplies Minister, Mr S C Marak who presided over the meeting reviewed other aspects of the functioning of the Supply Department and emphasized needs to improve efficiency and alertness of the officers and staff. He said vigilance should be maintained against undesirable practices. Constant efforts were also made to stabilize the price and stressed that consumers should be protected against exploitation by unscrupulous elements on the quality and price of essential commodities supplied to the people. He appealed to the consumers to bring to the notice of Government instances of malpractices. The meeting decided that such review meetings will also held at District headquarters.